TWO months ago, the Autism Society Philippines organized a seminar on Relationship Development Intervention (RDI). This reminded me of my experience years ago when I attended a talk on RDI from a Singaporean resource speaker during one of the break-out sessions of ASPs Autism Convention. I have not done RDI with my son but I want to share what I have learned. Given the many traditional and non-traditional strategies in management of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), I leave it up to the parents, teachers or caregivers to decide and choose what strategy to use to improve the quality of life of a child or person with ASD.
From the website of Autism Speaks, Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) is a family-based, behavioral treatment designed to address autisms core symptoms. Developed by psychologist Steven Gutstein, Ph.D., it builds on the theory that dynamic intelligence is key to improving quality of life for individuals with autism. Dr. Gutstein defines dynamic intelligence as the ability to think flexibly. This includes appreciating different perspectives, coping with change and integrating information from multiple sources (e.g. sights and sounds).
RDI Programs coach parents and primary care-givers how to break down and then gradually rebuild complex dynamic processes by carefully and systematically orchestrating the presentation of dynamic intelligence objectives within day to day interactions embedded in daily routines and activities thus building memories of competence and fulfillment and increasing motivation to engage in our complex world. (http://www.rdiconnect.com)
Based on the demonstration videos of RDI, the parent is very much involved in the development of the childs social skills through daily activities done inside the home, with close supervision of a certified RDI specialist. For example, the simple chore of loading the laundry in the washing machine will help develop language, eye-hand coordination, fine motor and gross motor skills as well as listening skills. During the task, the parent, of course, talks to the child and prompts him to use his fingers to grip the clothes from the basket on the floor and reach to shoot the clothes in the washing machine. Along the way, the child is encouraged to use eye contact with the parent and to practice his focus on what he is doing. Without being aware that he is being taught, the child learns and still have fun doing things around the house with his parent/s and RDI consultant/practitioner.
The RDI advocates that social connections that form personal relationships pave the way to significant brain development of a child with ASD. I do agree that development goals are easier to achieve if the child has improved social relationships. In other words, a child benefits more from strategies that are done with love and care from parents and his teachers.
Under the RDI, a child is allowed to experience emotional referencing or the ability to learn emotions and feelings from presence of another person, social coordination, use of declarative language (verbal or non-verbal) to encourage curiosity, interaction and sharing or expressing ones feelings, flexible thinking, relational information processing and foresight and hindsight. I also like RDIs statement that making lasting, meaningful and lifelong changes begins at home with the childs parents first and that the remediation process should take place amidst each familys unique culture and relationships.
The RDI is being used in 25 countries worldwide, but I am not aware if there are certified RDI consultants or coaches based in the Philippines. In my next articles, I will be sharing other traditional and non-traditional strategies that I have learned through seminars or from the experiences of other parents.
The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows.-Sydney J. Harris
(Jane Ann S. Gonzales is a mother of a youth with autism. She is an advocate/core member of the Autism Society Philippines and Directress of the Independent Living Learning Centre (ILLC) Davao, a centre for teenagers and adults with special needs. For comments or questions, please email janeanngonzales@yahoo.com)
Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on November 05, 2014.
Read the rest here:
Relationship Development Intervention (RDI)